Safest type of APC

B

BklynRX7

New member
I am looking to pick up some bulk APC but found a few different options at the local detailing shop. I ruled out anything considered a de-greaser as I assume they'll be harsher, but am not sure if a citrus based or one called a H/A cleaner would be safer for general use on interior plastics and other cleaning needs. Here are the 2 I was considering:



Auto Detailing Supplies::Fine Automotive and Marine Detailing Products from Pauls Distributors - 1176 - Outrageous Orange All Purpose Cleaner (1 gallon)



Auto Detailing Supplies::Fine Automotive and Marine Detailing Products from Pauls Distributors - 1015 - H/A Concentrate All Purpose Cleaner (1 gallon)



They also carry a cleaner from Autoglym that I dont have any details on, but I know its a pretty trusted brand in europe:



Autoglym - car cleaning products, car care products, car valeting, car detailing



Heres the rest of their options incase I missed something:



Auto Detailing Supplies::Fine Automotive and Marine Detailing Products from Pauls Distributors - Cleaning Chemicals





Thanks in advance for any help /suggestions.
 
The main "caution" is to check the MSDS of the all purpose.

If it contains a butyl cellosolve component, that may cause problems, plus is a ground water contaminate, and some cities and states are becoming very nasty about using it.

Also, check that there is NOT a high percentage of sodium hydroxide, as it is very caustic. All will have a small percentage of this, however, since like butyl cellosolve, is cheap, some companies load the product with them and that is what creates the discoloring of vinyl, aluminum, exterior trim, etc.



Grumpy
 
Personally I like Meguiars. It's made by a very reputable company that has a lot to lose from a bad product. Its safe on leather (diluted) and it works very well for most tasks. I can't recall a single person having a bad reaction while using a properly diluted amount.
 
Of all the APC's I've used so far, I think I like Optimum Power Clean the best.

Been thinking about trying out some other stuff lately though. Maybe some 3D

stuff or the one Ron was talking about?
 
Yuuuppp!

It is safe on fabric, vinyl, leather, paint, trim, etc.

Not a true degreaser, did do one for degreasing, has a lot more of the caustic components in it.

People don't grasp that water is the key and that if I put mix 1 part of Omni to 10 parts water, there is a reason and that is the mix ratio that works on the afore mention surfaces.

Spray it on, let it dwell for a minute or longer, it will not damage when it sets on the surface being cleaned, and then agitate, wipe off, follow with some clean water to remove any residue and that is it.

Also great for "bug gut" removal, as with no butyl component, will not attach the resin system of the clearcoat.

Grumpy
 
Dan said:
Personally I like Meguiars. It's made by a very reputable company that has a lot to lose from a bad product. Its safe on leather (diluted) and it works very well for most tasks. I can't recall a single person having a bad reaction while using a properly diluted amount.
Click to expand...

It is a good product. For as you posted, their reputation is on the line, unlike so many "marketed" or "local bath tubber" products.

Grumpy
 
Yeah, I too like the OPC, but I only use it when I really need its power. Not that I'm worried about it messing anything up, but, well...I just reserve it for tough jobs where I use it with minimal dilution.



I'm currently using the "Green" (i.e., green colored) one from 3D as an interior cleaner on the dog-hauler, and it's good stuff. But I can't really give specifics about why somebody oughta buy it instead of something else.



Ron Ketcham- I figured I'd toss the "Omni" name out there for people who haven't followed your posts since forever ;)



Is there any "general guidelines for dilution" on it? I'm guessing that tires and undercarriage work would take a stronger mix than...say, interiors. For undercarriages/etc. I actually *like* the idea that it's not a super-degreaser; with things already pretty nice down there, I'm more after "potent dirt removal" than "degreasing".



Heh heh, if I'm not careful I'm gonna end up with a big order the next time I call Beth :nervous:
 
Here's the skinny.

Water is the universal solvent. Every component in a water based cleaner, caustic, surfactants, just make the water "wetter".

However, some components, if not properly diluted, may create damage.

Omni's standard mix is 1 oz to 10 oz of water. Put in the water first, then the Omni or the foaming will make it next to impossible to get the water in the bottle.

No need to try to make it stronger by mixing less water, just let it dwell longer.

If you really "feel the need" you could go 1 part to 8 part water, but no real effect except in one's mind.

If one wants a degreaser, buy a degreaser, but don't use those on fabric, exterior paint/trim, vinyl or leather. Too high of "caustic content" for those surfaces.

Sure, it will clean the heck out of them, faster, however, I am not in the habit of replacing expensive parts a little time later.

Want to make a "one step-cleaner/dressing" for light cleaning of interiors?

After mixing the Omni, add 12 to 15 % of the Rubber Protector dressing to the mix, leaves a clean surface (if not caked on dirt) and wipe dry. Satin finish of the vinyl and leather surfaces.

Grumpy

Grumpy
 
Ron Ketcham-Thanks for the additional info!



So mixing the rubber protectant in with the Omni doesn't result in, uhm..."soap residue" being left behind...tacky/etc. or anything like that? Protectant still remains after rinsing? Would that work on tires, or is that pushing it?
 
Don't use a buytl in it, so no "sticky". Just wipe off/buff with a dry towel, will leave a bit of the resin on the surface, if you "rinse" all will come off.

Will not work for tires, not enough resin content, but good for interior vinyl, etc when a "satin sheen" is desired.

The Rubber Protector should not be diluted for tires, etc.

Here's another one.

No need to buy a "white wall cleaner", just add about 2 to 3 oz of bleach to the mixed product, mark the bottle, spray on, let dwell, agitate. Does a nice job.

I also use this solution to clean my bathroom, tub, sink, etc.

As well as a prespray on the alge that grows on some of my siding, concrete, spray it on , let it dwell and go after it with the pressure washer.

Grumpy
 
I just received a gallon of 3D Total. It sounds promising. Anyone had experience with it?



hd-total-1.jpg




Automotive Degreaser & Soil Remover - HD TOTAL 1 Gallon | 3D Products
 
Ron Ketcham- Ah, OK, roger that on the not sticky.



Ya know, for some reason I never seem to use detailing stuff like APCs around the house..always seems like a pricey way to go. Might oughta rethink that :think:



Alfisti- I haven't used my TOTAL yet; I'll be interested to hear what you think of it. IIRC, some people have said its cleaning power is right up there with OPC.
 
It's MSDS seems to indicate it's mildly alkaline/caustic so it's cleaning ability should be decent, and better than FREE which I have used.
 
Alfisti- Heh heh...between "Total" and "Free" I have trouble keeping my products straight! I had to run out the the shop and make sure I really do have "Total"!
 
Expense=equal's shipping cost, container cost, dilution rate.

If one gallon of concentrate makes 10 gallons of product how much savings does one receive?

Take a product that in concentrate (1 part to 10 parts water mix ratio) costs $35 and $15 shipping, for a cost of $50.

That is $5 a gallon for a usable product.

Now, go buy a gallon of ready to use product, figure in the shipping, and then cost it out.

Doesn't pay anyone to ship water.

Grumpy
 
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